Takeaways from the Revs win against the Crew

The New England Revolution moved up to second place in the Eastern Conference with their first win against the Columbus Crew this season.

Jermaine Jones got his second match-winner in as many weeks as the Revs earned a valuable 2-1 victory which all but confirms their place in the playoffs.

Columbus were unfortunate to lose as they had plenty of chances, but their lack of discipline cost them as they played with 10-men for the last 20 minutes of the game, and they are now in fifth place, holding on to the final playoff spot.

Here are the key takeaways from the game:

1) Lee Nguyen sets New England record with another goal

The 27-year-old playmaker has been excellent all season, and his goal last night made him the highest-scoring Revs midfielder in a single season, as he took his tally to 14 for the campaign. Nguyen surpassed Diego Fagundez’s record of 13 goals from a year ago with his opener last night, and he once again proved why he is so crucial for the Revs.

2) Jermaine Jones times it right again

Jones scored the match winning goal for the second game running for the Revs, and he is providing a solid attacking threat as well as being a defensive wall in midfield. The USMNT star headed home Chris Tierney’s free-kick in the 67th minute to give the Revs the lead, and what turned out to be the winning goal. If Jones can continue to cause problems in front of goal, New England will be devastating going into the playoffs.

3) Bobby proves his worth

Bobby Shuttleworth was in inspired form, and his six saves were crucial to the Revs win. The New England goalkeeper made an incredible stop in the first-half, which resulted in the Revs first goal of the game at the other end, and he made several key stops in the second-half to earn his side the win.

4) Waylon Francis cost his team

The Costa Rican international was sent-off in the 70th minute after picking up two needless yellow cards, and he ultimately cost his side dearly. He was booked in the first-half for a kick at Andrew Farrell, and he picked up his second yellow when he waved his arms in the face of a Revs player ready to take a quick throw-in. His ill discipline will have angered his manager, as the Revs controlled the game late on with their one-man advantage.

5) The NFL lines need to go

The game was played on the gridiron lines used by the New England Patriots in the NFL, making it difficult for fans and players alike to actually get a feel for the pitch. The Revs will be hoping that owner Jonathan Kraft sticks to his word and helps the team into a soccer-specific stadium, as the sharing of lines with another sport only appears disrespectful to the game.